by Erin Eddins, Source Publications
What would you do with a ½ million square feet? Steve and Scott Foutch, of
Foutch Brothers LLC, knew what they would do with that amount of space as soon as realtor, Larry Buck showed it to them. In 2006 they purchased the massive space and soon begin changing the structure known as the Mead Building.
The Mead Building has been an integral part of St. Joseph history, not just as an architectural anchor but also due to the number of Joes employed there at one time. Most locals light up when Mead is mentioned and then tell stories of their days making Big Chief Tablets or their friend or neighbor working in the office.
The notorious tablets were first made by the Western Tablet Company, right here in St. Joseph and of course later were purchased by the Mead Corporation. But in the years since the last Big Chief was made within those walls, the future of the mammoth building has been in question. What could the space be used for? Who would take on a project of that size? 
The simple answer: Residential living like St. Joe has never seen and the Foutch Brothers, respectively.
The Mead Building is undergoing a complete metamorphosis. The solid warehouse style structure is becoming a prime example of luxury living. With a daylight atrium created that opens through the heart of the building, residents will be able to float on their backs in the second floor pool and see the sky above them. Of course residents cannot be expected to spend all of their free time in the pool so the Foutch Brothers have created an unbelievable list of amenities: restaurants, a ballroom, a coffee shop, a gym including a running track and the afore mentioned pool and even a concierge service with technical support. And that’s not all. The rooftop deck will have 13,000 square feet of landscaping and 7,000 square feet of entertaining space with hot tubs, drive-in style movies and plenty of space to soak up the sun.
The first floor which will include the restaurants and coffee shop, as well as other commercial and retail spaces will be open to the public. In order to maintain the privacy of the tenants and the exclusivity of the other amenities offered to the residents, the building is completely secured.
“This is a model that we’ve scene work in Omaha. But now we’re doing it at twice the size in a city not even half as large.” Steve Foutch explained. “It’s working; we’ve already started a waiting list for the first spaces which will be available the end of this summer.”
Their all inclusive design does not stop at the apartment doors. Each space is outfitted with comfort, convenience and quality as the formula and also pays mind to the individual tastes of the residents. The kitchen cabinetry can be color adjusted per tenant with face colors available in a rich black, a deep red stain or a natural wood. All units have either black or stainless steel appliances and most have whirlpool tubs. With 12-14 foot ceilings and tons of windows, the apartments provide great light and amazing views.
The residential spaces range from studio style to three bedroom and are between 900 and 1600 square feet. There are also extended stay executive apartments available which have all of the style and comfort of the residential spaces. In total there are 180 residential spaces and 72 executive apartments.
Historic rehab in St. Joseph is nothing new to the Foutch Brothers. They have the Lofts at 415 and Everett School to name just a few. The Mead Building, now named The Paper Lofts, is similar to their other projects in the fact that they know how to take what is considered by most to be an eye sore and turn it into something functional, something beautiful and something that will help the St. Joseph economy. They are literally investing in St. Joe.
The Foutch Brothers currently work in four states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. They have been the recipients of many awards for their historic rehabilitation projects, including three for work they have done here in St. Joseph.
For more information on The Paper Lofts call 816.746.9100 or go online to www.foutchbros.com.